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Borini hoping Sunderland form warrants Italy call-up

Fabio Borini has his fingers crossed that Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has been watching his performances this season.

Liverpool striker Borini has been a key player in Sunderland's revival in the latter stages of the Premier League campaign with three goals in four matches to help keep the Wearside club in the top flight.

Borini has played once for the Azzurri - against the USA in 2012 - and was an unused sub during Euro2012 and is hoping he can now be involved in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after a solid season on loan with the Black Cats.

"Italy are always monitoring their players and the national boss will know all my statistics," said Borini.

"I really hope I go to the World Cup because it would be a fantastic achievement after playing for Sunderland."